Miami’s Most Inspiring Stories

Every neighborhood in South Florida has its own vibe, style, culture and history, but what consistently amazes us is not what differentiates the various neighborhoods but rather what they all have in common.  From South Beach to Boca (and everywhere in between) we’ve been blown away by how many creative and talented people call South Florida home.  Check out some of the inspiring stories we’ve discovered throughout Miami and the surrounding areas.

Juan Villa

Today, I run my agency with that same drive I had on day one, but with a bigger vision: to create impact at scale, mentor others, and use innovative marketing strategies to connect with people in a way that feels real and human. My story is still being written—but it’s one fueled by resilience, purpose, and the belief that we can all design a more secure tomorrow. Read more>>

Achineje Victor

Where I got exposed to stenciling, book binding, screen printing, and drawing for a period of five years. The following year I was able to set up my first studio space from the money i saved while working for other artists around. The truth is; no one invests in you until they see the light or maybe a beckon of hope. You’ll only get the support when you put your hands to work. No one supports nothing. God so kind after some months I was able to make my first sale, then came my second studio space. Read more>>

Maria A Cephas

Over the past three decades, I’ve been blessed with a diverse and fulfilling career. I started in automobile sales, moved into producing large-scale international conferences that took me around the world, and later transitioned into the field of substance abuse treatment​, one of the most rewarding roles I’ve ever held. I even spent time as a professional matchmaker, which not only gave me invaluable insight into human connection but also deepened my passion for transformation. At the core, I’ve always been in the business of people. Read more>>

Cam Watson

My transition to full-time entrepreneurship came in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, a season that tested not only my grit but my identity. As a mother of two, I initially set out to design fitness apparel for women like me: mothers who were battling insecurity in their postpartum bodies. That vision opened the door for me to become a certified personal trainer, which then led to my deeper calling in massage therapy and holistic recovery. Today, I am the founder and owner of The Healing Balm Holistic Wellness, a thriving wellness practice that specializes in chronic pain recovery and premium sports massage therapy. Read more>>

Elizabeth Veras

I like to think of my personal transformation as kismet. By this time I was meditating and practicing yoga in order to maintain my own wellbeing but 2018 was a pivotal year for me. I obtained three certifications within four months: teen yoga, mind-body medicine and brain fitness. I was able to dive right in to helping others. I have since become a Reiki Master, a certified doula, and a traditional healer as well as a meditation teacher certified in Yoga Nidra. I am also a doula and advocate for maternal and climate health. Eight years later, I am still a teacher at heart, but the transformations I witness (almost daily!) are — what I like to call — infinite heart currency, or priceless! Read more>>

Shawna Cullen

I began my fitness journey at the age of 15, during a particularly challenging period marked by undiagnosed anxiety and depression. At the time, I had recently relocated across the Western Hemisphere and was in search of a healthy outlet—something to ground me. From the very first workout, I recognized the profound impact physical activity had on my mental well-being. That experience became a turning point, and I’ve never looked back. The gym not only helped transform my body, but quite literally saved my mind. It was clear to me early on that I needed to share this message—that exercise has the power to change lives and support those struggling with anxiety and depression. Read more>>

Mackencia Valerie Pierre

I started doing hair at my dining room table, just for family and friends. But word spread, and I began to build a presence. After my divorce, I moved to West Palm Beach with big dreams. As a single mother, I wanted to open a salon for years but couldn’t afford it. Eventually, I found a space I could manage and renovated it little by little. Read more>>

Rezeda Moita

Since many of us were new to the country and raising small children, we supported each other however we could. Soon, the moms began asking me to check with my husband about insurance plans for their families — the pricing, coverage, and options. Because my husband doesn’t speak Russian, I became the messenger. Through this process, I started learning more about insurance and its terminology. Read more>>

Mari Q (aka MARTE)

I competed in solo and ensemble competitions at the district and state level. That’s really where my music theory, composition, and songwriting abilities started to develop. When I graduated, I shifted my focus to the visual arts such as painting, digital art, and photography, because I wanted to keep exploring my creativity in new ways. But the turning point for me came during the COVID pandemic. Like so many others, I was reevaluating everything about my future. I craved community, closeness, and the energy of live music. That’s what really pushed me to return to music with a deeper purpose. Read more>>

Dari Williams

At first, it was just a way to make extra income, but the more I practiced, the more I fell in love with the craft. I challenged myself to master intricate designs, experiment with new techniques, and create nails that felt like wearable art. Over time, my work started to get noticed, and clients began coming to me not just for manicures, but for unique, custom designs that made them feel confident and luxurious. Read more>>

K’von Humphrey

I’m a fitness trainer and I do YouTube where I’m helping men self improve with dating & firness. I love how I’ve been able to help men in areas like dating and fitness and self improvement because those things can make or break your life. I’m focusing on building a community over having a large amount of subscribers. Read more>>

Shontell Williams

At present, TellyCares specializes in two core services: therapy and the TellyCares Mentorship Initiative. Therapy services are designed to provide a safe, supportive space for individuals to process life’s difficulties, develop healthier coping strategies, and rebuild confidence in themselves. The mentorship initiative extends this mission by offering guidance, encouragement, and accountability to those navigating personal or professional transitions. Read more>>

Susana Perez

It’s been over five years now working with Video And Motion, creating and producing events that have filled me with pride and joy. This journey has taken me across the U.S. and even internationally creating experiences that have been incredibly meaningful both professionally and personally. Read more>>

Lauri Anne

It’s been an eye-opening and truly wonderful experience, but like any journey, it hasn’t been without its unexpected hiccups and challenges. There were moments that tested my confidence and flexibility, but I’ve learned to navigate them by staying proactive, versatile, and resilient. I believe in always maintaining a positive attitude, even when things don’t go as planned. Every challenge has helped me grow, not just as a model, but as a person. Read more>>

Javier Donquiz

Our very first event started as my birthday celebration but quickly became the soft launch of Warao. Seeing the people who are part of this vision come together that day was powerful. It showed me that Warao is more than an idea. it’s a living project, just beginning, built to grow and move like the water it’s inspired by.” Read more>>

Leon Foster

I’ve always struggled with my mental health, which has of course made it to where doing much of anything has been difficult some days, especially picking up a pencil or my tablet pen. I’ve also had a few things happen within my personal life, which I’d rather not get into, that have paused my pursuits at times. Read more>>

Carolina Giraldo

At 16, I moved to New Zealand to learn English, an experience that opened my world to travel, adventure, and extreme sports, sparking my passion for exploring new places. After returning to Colombia, I completed a diploma in digital marketing and started working in social media management. By the age of 17, I was already working as an account director in a marketing agency. Read more>>

Danielle Carney Krasner

Over the years, I worked in a variety of settings – community mental health, substance abuse treatment, and group practice – before taking the leap into private practice and starting Full Bloom Therapy in 2022. Trusting myself to build something of my own has been the one of the most rewarding decisions I’ve made. It allows me the freedom to shape my work in a way that feels authentic to me, while also supporting the life I want, especially in this season of my life as a new mom. Read more>>

Ari Greenfield

We are a family run business. my dad was in the bedding and furniture business in Venezuela, and I’m an engineer by trade having had my first business in interior construction. We found our current business in fabrics for interiors an decided to purchase it 15 years ago. Back then it was a local, Spanish speaking business only, offering lower level product. We saw the opportunity to expand the market and improve quality, which we have steadily done in that time frame.  Read more>>

Margaret Rose

It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Living through the pandemic in NYC as a wedding planner was especially challenging. I had to reschedule over 20 weddings and find creative ways to help couples celebrate safely in 2020 and 2021! Beyond that, moving back to Miami after years in New York was a risk, as I had to rebuild networks and establish new connections. But I’m proud of the growth that’s come from it. Today, we’ve found a strong niche in planning Miami destination weddings for couples from the Northeast and around the world, while still producing luxury events in New York and traveling often between both markets. Read more>>

Anhelina Pohorielova

I became a certified BSSC Level 3 specialist, created my own registered technique “ARTFORMULA,” and started teaching it to other professionals. Along the way, I achieved 1st place at the Global Talent Beauty Cup 2025 in two categories, and I also designed professional brush cases used by Team USA in championship preparation. Read more>>

Nathaly Gaitan

In the beginning it was a bit hard because in this field of work you really have to put yourself out there. You have to market yourself, be very social and stay consistent. I didn’t have any clients at first and I was in the middle of my certification training so there was no income at the beginning. I then started to visit different studios, took classes of friends that were teaching at these studios and shaking hands with anyone I could meet. Once I started to immerse myself more and more the opportunities came. I landed personal training clients and started teaching group fitness. Read more>>

Karina (Kari) Diaz

The root of it all comes back to my faith, my willingness to say ‘yes,’ and most importantly, God. He opened the doors, equipped me in ways I didn’t expect, and continues to guide every step. What started as His idea has now become a growing mission through Agape Brew—where every cup is about more than coffee, it’s about love, encouragement, and creating space for Jesus to move. Read more>>

Erika Acosta

After finally being able to participate in on-the-job training (OJT) as a senior in high school, gaining the freedom to work, become more independent, and enjoy a social life, my symptoms lessened. I vowed to dedicate my purpose to helping others realize they are not alone in times of struggle, and to support them in finding the resilience needed to overcome the many barriers we face in life. Read more>>

Alma Langshaw

Creativity runs deep in my family, starting with my mom, a natural-born storyteller and a big influence on me. My grandmother is an amazing painter and my grandfather, already an avid writer, transformed his father’s tailoring business into an academy, encouraging his students to express themselves through fashion. Growing up surrounded by so many forms of creativity taught me that art and storytelling aren’t just hobbies, they’re ways of living and connecting with the world. Read more>>

Marlena Orlowska

That was the place when I grew as a hairstylist and makeup artist! Because Paul LaBrecque himself never made a „ departments” in the salon – that’s means u don’t need to decide to be only a colorist or only a stylist. You can do both if that’s what your talent and knowledge allows you. So that’s how Paul trained me- without any limitations, without blocking abilities! But- with a very hard and intense work! There was no shortcuts. Within a year a became a junior stylist. After 12 years in NY I was offered a position in Palm Beach location and made that decision with my husband to make there. I was happy to offer different and maybe more steady lifestyle for our 3 year old daughter at that time. So far it’s 3 amazing years since we moved to Florida and we are very grateful. Read more>>

Ken “ANAND” von Roenn III

My yoga journey began in 1995 during my freshman year of college. I initially signed up for a yoga class to improve my flexibility for rock climbing. But on the very first day, when the teacher sat down to begin, I felt a deep inner knowing: this is what I’m meant to do with my life. Read more>>

Sula Belle (DBA)

Raised between California, Florida, and the West Indies, I was shaped by family, faith, and diverse cultures. Gardening with my mother, listening to my father’s music, traveling, and writing poems nurtured my creativity. Literary voices like Toni Morrison, Langston Hughes, Ernest Gaines, Maya Angelou—whom I met at sixteen—alongside Nikki Giovanni, Natasha Trethewey, and Julia Alvarez, deepened my artistic vision and inspired me to write with authenticity and impact. My grandmother, Patricia Edwards, a writer and playwright who worked with Norman Lear and in TV & Film with Good Times, One Day at a Time, All That, and My Brother and Me, also instilled in me a love for storytelling and representation. Read more>>